This year's exciting summer cruise season is in full swing. Ahead of the highly anticipated launch of Royal Caribbean's newest mega-ship, Star of the Seas, is the opening of Carnival Cruise Line's private destination in the Bahamas.
Celebration Key is set to welcome guests on July 19, 2025, with the arrival of Carnival Vista. Carnival Cruise Line's President, Christine Duffy, will be present to officially open the new tropical destination on Grand Bahama Island, marking a major milestone for the cruise giant.
Over the next few years, Carnival plans to enhance its private destination portfolio in the Bahamas and Caribbean, and Celebration Key is the first step of its long-term vision. Carnival's Paradise Collection includes RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, and Isla Tropicale in Honduras.
Celebration Key represents a new level of investment and ambition for the brand. Although Celebration Key isn't a private island, it's evident that the new port of call is meant to compete with the success of Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay.
From family-friendly pools and beaches to upscale beach clubs with premium amenities, Celebration Key will offer something for every type of traveler.
Within its first 6 months of being open to guests, 18 ships will call at Celebration Key from 11 ports. Itineraries range from 3 to 14 nights, with 80 visits scheduled through Labor Day Weekend alone.
"This summer is set to be especially memorable as we open Celebration Key on Grand Bahama, our game-changing destination that will deliver the ultimate day in paradise for our guests," said Duffy.
Read more: Carnival shares first look at new private destination, Celebration Key
To bring the vision of “the ultimate day in paradise” to life, Celebration Key is divided into five portals that span 65 acres
The first portal is Paradise Plaza, which serves as the entry point for the entire destination. All passengers will pass underneath a radiant sun-shaped arch dubbed the "Sun Portal."
Beyond the Sun Portal, guests will find helpful wayfinding and destination information to help make the most of their limited time ashore.
At the heart of Celebration Key is the 10-story Suncastle, which features two water slides, each over 350 feet long, and five massive conch shells. The slides, however, aren't included in your cruise fare. An all-day pass with unlimited rides on the Flash Flamingo and Mach 3 Marlin slides will cost $14.99 per person.
The slides, in addition to the family-friendly Starfish Lagoon portal, are designed for guests of all ages. Starfish Lagoon is the center of family fun at Celebration Key and boasts the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, a splash pad with a 2-foot wading pool, a sports court, and easy beach access.
Nearby is the complimentary adults-only portal, Calypso Lagoon. Combined with Starfish Lagoon's freshwater pool, the two lagoons encompass more than 275,000 square feet of swimming space.
However, Calypso Lagoon has more of an upbeat vibe, featuring a live DJ and Mingo's Tropical Bar & Kitchen — home to the world's largest swim-up bar with 166 in-water seats.
Mingo's will also dish up tasty Bahamian favorites, but it's just one of several dining options available across Celebration Key. Also in Calyspo Lagoon is Surf N’ Sauce BBQ & Brews, the go-to spot for slow-smoked meats and unique barbeque sauces with a full bar.
There are convenient dining options in Starfish Lagoon, too, including Gill's Grill, which pairs fresh seafood and land-based favorites. However, for those who want quicker options, there's Captain's Galley Food Hall with five counters to choose from. Each serves up something different, ranging from pizza to tacos.
With over 10 dining venues on Celebration Key, there's something for everyone. Better yet? Most are included in the cost of the cruise fare. Unfortunately, Carnival's CHEERS! Drink Package won't work ashore.
Moving on, there's the Pearl Cove Beach Club. This extra-cost retreat is focused on adults 18 and older.
Inside the exclusive beach club, guests will find a large 11,000-square-foot private infinity pool; a swim-up bar, plush daybeds; pink-striped sun umbrellas; overwater cabanas; a full-service restaurant with lobster, shrimp, fresh sushi, and salads; and more.
Admission starts at $99.99 per person for a basic pass that includes a welcome drink. The most expensive option is the Super Villa, which costs $2,799.99 for up to 10 guests. The premium cabana comes with a villa attendant, open bar, arrival snacks, lunch delivery, and unlimited rides on the Sandcastle water slides.
The final portal is Lokono Cove, named after Grand Bahama Island's earliest settlers, the Lucayans. According to historians, Lucayans were a gentle community of artisans skilled at pottery, painting, and basket weaving.
Building on that idea, Lokono Cove will celebrate Bahamian culture and offer a lot of shopping. Guests can enjoy everything from Junkanoo performances to local art displays, handcrafted goods by Bahamian artisans, local cuisine, and more.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
